December 28, 2015

If you need a tooth extraction, contact Rocky River dentist, Dr. William Eick. Read about the procedure and how damaged teeth impact well-being.

While retaining natural tooth structure is best, tooth extraction can be a necessary option. Rocky River dentist, WilliamL. EickDDS employs skilled and gentle techniques to remove teeth which are beyond repair, restoring patients to full oral health.

A damaged tooth impacts your life

There are 2 ways a damaged tooth adversely impacts your life:

infection and pain

poor aesthetics (because of a serious fracture)

While dentists in Rocky River and across the country do all they can to salvage natural tooth structure, these circumstances frequently necessitate extraction. Deepdentaldecay can infect the inner tooth pulp irreversibly and weaken roots and jaw bone, too–even beyond attempting root canal therapy.

Other reasons to extract a tooth

large teeth crowd crowd their neighbors in a small jaw bone, causing misalignment and difficult oral hygiene

baby teeth retained into the teen years and beyond prevent eruption of adult teeth

The extraction procedure

Dr. Eick’s first and foremost concern is patient comfort during any complex dental procedure. For extractions, he offers local anesthesia and, when necessary, inhaled nitrous oxide or laughing gas. Administered via nasal cannula, nitrous oxide completely relaxes the anxious patient and even gives him or her a feeling of euphoria or giddiness. It may be adjusted up or down as needed during the procedure and wears off quickly afterwards.

The dentist then proceeds with the extraction, carefully rocking the tooth and pulling it from the socket. He uses sutures to close the site, and the patient gently bites on sterile gauze to control the minor bleeding.

At home, the patient:

should eat a soft diet for a day or 2

refrain from smoking or drinking with a straw so as to not dislodge the forming blood clot

brush gently the day after the extraction, taking care not to dislodge the sutures

rinse with warm salt water 2 to 3 times the day of the extraction

apply ice to the jaw as needed to control any swelling or bruising

take over the counter ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain and any antibiotics Dr. Eick prescribes

Don’t wait if you have a failing tooth

A failing tooth affects your oral health, systemic health and day to day functioning at home and at work. ContactDr. Eick right away if you suspect a serious dental issue. His team will assist you through the entire procedure to ensure your complete comfort and a successful result, too.